Tucson Police Department: Innovations and Evaluations

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

The Tucson Police Department Applied Policy Research team conducted studies to address multifaceted challenges within law enforcement focusing on gender dynamics, recruitment crises, criminal network analysis, and the introduction of professional staff investigators. The studies to be discussed use diverse research methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Study metrics came from arrest and crime data, focus groups, repeated survey data, and recruitment data. Taken together, each study provided promising and novel results regarding the success and challenges of the innovative practices and programs. Specifically, our results highlight the utility of implementation science in policing when it comes to the creation of new non-sworn positions, potential methods to enhance women in policing in alignment with the national 30x30 Initiative, and the impact of Network Analysis. Our results are placed within the broader field of literature surrounding these topics to inform future efforts and research. Study findings are used within the agency to directly impact policy and program development and to inform resource allocation. Our findings are translated for both practical audiences within the department and policing field as well as more in-depth methodologically for academic researchers.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 41. Police Strategies, Interventions, and Evaluations

Individual Presentations

• 30x30 Initiative Driven Focus Groups for both Female and Male Sworn - Jenna Layla Aldulaimi, Tucson Police Department

• Social Network Analysis: A Data Driven Approach to Reducing Gun Related Crime - Anna Leach, Tucson Police Department

• Using Implementation Science Frameworks to Evaluate a New Police Professional Staff Investigator Program - Elizabeth Dotson, Tucson Police Department

• Improving Recruitment by Developing a Training and Mentorship Program for Non-Sworn Community Service Officers - Megan Parks, Tucson Police Department

Chair

• Elizabeth Dotson, Tucson Police Department

Organized by a Division or external group?

Tucson Police Department